After missing out on the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals, star striker Wayne Rooney is all set to return to the squad for the crucial Manchester Derby according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney was expected to start in the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, he missed the match due to a groin injury. The absence of the England international was clearly felt, as the United attack was toothless on several occasions. This defeat means that the wait for an FA Cup trophy extends for another season for Manchester United.
However, they still have the possibility to finish the season on a high by managing to lift the league title. They already have one hand on the title as a result of the 12 point advantage in the table. One of the biggest threats between now and the end of the season will come in the form of the Manchester Derby on Monday. Ferguson has said that it is time to focus on the league. He believes that United will be able to win their record 20th league title if they manage a victory against archrivals Manchester City on Monday.
They will have a great chance to do so with Rooney in the side. “Wayne got a groin injury playing for England and wasn’t 100 per cent yesterday and there’s no point risking players with groin injuries because it could exacerbate itself and he could be out for weeks. So hopefully he’ll be ready for next Monday’s game,” said Ferguson ahead of the match. Due to the injury, Ferguson fielded a line-up of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck against Chelsea. The two players had several opportunities to score, but they were kept out by brilliant saves and great defending from the West London outfit.